"Islanders created the San Juan County Land Bank in 1990 to preserve the islands' unique natural heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. In 1999, by a nearly 73% majority, the Land Bank was renewed for 12 more years.

This public program, guided by the San Juan County Ordinance, Chapter 16.54, Citizens Conservation Land Bank, is funded by a 1% real estate transfer tax paid for by purchasers of property in San Juan County."

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Cape Cod Land Bank
http://www.capecodcommission.org/landbank/

1998 Capewide $8,840,031

"The program is funded by a 3% surcharge on real estate property tax bills in each community beginning in FY 2000. This money is placed in a town land bank fund which is dedicated for this purpose and accrues interest. Additional sources of funds include a $15 million state matching program which was authorized in the Act (described below). Donations can also be made to the town land bank fund. Towns can bond in anticipation of future land bank revenue."

Note: In 1998 voters turned down a transfer tax but came back with a flat 3% property tax surcharge. The defeat was largely the result of strong lobbying from the real estate industry. Go figure.

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Martha's Vinyard
http://www.mvlandmarks.com/island/landbank.html

The Martha's Vineyard Land Bank was established in 1986 to support island conservation efforts. Across the island, thousands of acres have been purchased by the Land Bank, preserved in their natural, unspoiled state and opened for selective public access. These areas include beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and farmlands. All island real estate transactions are subject to a 2% Land Bank tax, paid by the buyer at closing. These taxes are used by the Land Bank to fund additional property acquisition and preservation efforts.

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HERITAGE LAND BANK POLICIES (Anchorage Alaska)
http://www.ci.anchorage.ak.us/hlb/index.cfm

December 4, 1996

I. OVERVIEW The Municipality of Anchorage's Heritage Land Bank (HLB) is
responsible for managing the majority of the municipality's land base,
currently consisting of over 7,000 acres. This acreage is distributed
between Chugiak and Girdwood and includes residential, commercial,
industrial, open space and recreational areas. The HLB manages this land
in a manner designed to benefit the present and future citizens of
Anchorage, promote orderly development, and achieve the
goals of the Comprehensive Plan (Anchorage Municipal Code 25.40.010).

Note: This is interesting. This land bank holds properties and then either leases them or sells them or transfers them depending on their best value and use for the community.

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Nantucket Island Land Bank
http://www.nantucketlandbank.org/

Land Bank revenue is derived from a 2 percent real estate transfer fee which is levied against most real estate transfers on the island. During calendar year 2001 the Land Bank processed 1,082 property transfers and collected over $8,840,000 in transfer income.

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Maine Land Bank
http://www.mainelandbank.org/

The Maine Land Bank and
Community Preservation Program

The problem
'For many Maine citizens (including seasonal residents, business owners and fishermen), rapid increases in property valuations are resulting in taxes which are beyond their means. 'Despite the temptation to "cash out," many people do not see their properties as "investments" and wish to keep their land and pass their legacies on to future generations. 'When people move, willingly or otherwise, the community loses its character and becomes faceless. In the case of small, isolated areas, the very survival of the community is threatened.

The solution
'A combination of Limited Market Value (currently in place in thirteen other states) and Maine's agricultural and open space tax law.
'A base value will be established equal to the five year prior assessment adjusted to 100% using
the state certified ratio. For recently purchased land, the purchase price will be used. 'Increases in property assessment will be limited to two percent (2%) per year or to the increase in the consumer price index, whichever is smaller.

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NY Riverhead (Suffolk County) 60% 40% Created "land bank" to be funded by 2% buyers real estate transfer tax
NY Southold (Suffolk County) 60% 40% Created "land bank" to be funded by 2% buyers real estate transfer tax
NY Shelter Island (Suffolk County) 72% 28% Created "land bank" to be funded by 2% buyers real estate transfer tax
NY E. Hampton (Suffolk County) 66% 34% Created "land bank" to be funded by 2% buyers real estate transfer tax
NY Southampton (Suffolk County) 60% 40% Created "land bank" to be funded by 2% buyers real estate transfer tax